Comunitat Energètica La Bordeta

The La Bordeta Energy Community (CELB) is a non-profit cooperative of consumers and users committed to a fairer and more sustainable energy model. Through the collective management of clean energy production, distribution and use, it works to drive an energy transition rooted in local action, with a community-driven and social perspective. The initiative is led by neighbours and organisations from the neighbourhood’s Social and Solidarity Economy, united by the belief that we must regain control over energy and put it at the service of people and the territory. Lacol, together with the other entities in BATEC, has supported CELB since its inception, helping to shape its social and economic model, as well as carrying out some of the resulting technical projects.

The current energy model depends on fossil fuels — a limited and highly polluting resource. The extraction and combustion of oil, gas, uranium and coal not only accelerate climate change, but also generate severe social and environmental impacts. For this reason, CELB promotes the generation of renewable, decentralised energy. Yet beyond technological efficiency, a reduction in energy demand and a deep shift in our consumption habits is essential. Decarbonisation will not be possible if current levels of energy consumption are maintained. The Earth and its resources are finite — we must rethink how we live and consume.

CELB promotes decentralised and locally generated energy. This means producing energy close to where it is consumed, reducing transmission losses and avoiding the externalisation of negative impacts onto other territories. It also promotes a collective ownership model, where infrastructure is managed by the community, not large corporations. Big energy companies have shown they prioritise profits over collective wellbeing, raising prices and cutting off basic supplies to vulnerable families. That’s why energy communities like this one are key to regaining control over energy and ensuring a just and democratic model. As a non-profit cooperative, any surplus is reinvested in the community through projects that support households in vulnerable situations. The energy transition must benefit everyone, not just those with greater financial resources.

Since it began in the summer of 2021, the community has grown to over fifty members and installed three photovoltaic systems with a combined capacity of 48 kW. It is also promoting energy retrofitting of residential buildings and shared electric mobility initiatives.